Ever wonder how those prime fashionistas seem to have an endless wardrobe on a working girl's budget? Forget what you think you know about designer duds -- the secret is in the sample. Every month, thousands of stillettos are pounding the pavement in the locales where designers are spring cleaning -- and slashing prices in their showroom sample sales. It's a world that the saleseekers, and even some frugal celebrities like Gwenyth and Mandy, don't want you to know about, (after all, who needs competition for that Dolce of a deal?), but we're here with your invite. Read on to find out how you can purchase Park Avenue pieces for pennies...

the truth: A sample sale is the best way to get those designer fashions you've been eyein' at yes-it's-really-that-much prices. The birth of a sample for the sale is when the designer produces the sample months in advance of the upcoming season so the fashion buyers at retail chains can leaf-through and choose which designs they want for their stores. Since the retailers place their orders from the originals and duplicates are then made, the sample is left to sit in storage. But alas, to your benefit, the designers make those samples available at huge discounts before the new season arrives, in events called "sample sales." Fashionistas gather in throngs to take part in these events, where items can be up to 85% off. You may be wondering why designers are that kind. Well, they know that there is a possibility that you could become loyal to their brand, therefore creating brand loyalty. So that Herrera that's a bit pricey may suddenly be what you must-have.

the truth: Yes...and no. Certain events are by-invitation only, while others are open to the general public who learns of an invite, (such as through a mailing list or subscription service). Some sales are even open by appointment only, so calling ahead can be crucial. Fortunately for you, we've learned that mailing lists can be the key to your entry into the sample sale. The web is your guide -- websites like dailycandy.com, nysale.com, and thebudgetfashionista.com are ideal for research and reach of exciting events. However, don't exclude the designers' lists themselves. Sometimes, sample sales are announced only through the designer's mailing list. So check out your favorite designer's online digs, (Elie Saab anyone?), and find yourself in-the-know. But don't expect your favorite store to flash a neon sign to grab your attention; most designers don't advertise because stock is so limited. Some style mavens may even pay hundreds of dollars per year to join clubs that grant them early entry into the most-sought-after sales. Yet, some upscale fashion houses remain exclusive, only allowing a select few buyers into the seasonal sample sales, and those are close to impossible to attend.

the truth: Unfortunately, there is no guarantee. But, there are some ways you can prepare to be ahead of the pack.

>>>Before you make the trip, make sure the trip is worth making. Research a designer / store that you haven't been to. Maybe after checking it out, it isn't your style, doesn't normally carry your size, way out of your price range, etc.

>>>Arrive early. You better bet your Jimmy Choos that there will be budget babes waiting before the sunlight appears. Scope fashion message boards where the users are gossipping about the sales. Get a feel for the time you should be ready and waiting. Because sample sale items are first come, first serve, you'll want to be one of the first to come. Also, avoid the lunch hour...that's the busiest time of day.

>>>Don't hesitate. Thinking about the steal of a deal bag for $15? Don't ponder the purchase too long. If you're highly considering it, hold on to it and keep looking. Because as the minutes go by and you're contemplating, other buyers are snatching up everything else worthy and you'll be missing out. Don't say we didn't warn you!

>>>Stay calm. Okay, this one is a given. But don't let the thrill of the chase leave you disoriented. Remember, it is only a shirt, (a really adorable, unheard-of priced Rowley shirt, but a shirt nonetheless), so don't smear your good name over it. Besides, the more frantic you are, the less focused you are, and the weaker you are to the competition of aggressive fashionistas.

the truth: Again, yes and no. You'll find the largest quantity of sample sales in New York City and Los Angeles, but there are many other metropolitan areas that are trying out samples. For instance, if California is too much a travel for some West Coast-ers, craveparty.com is a prime listing for Seattle-based sales and even hosts a large, one-day sample sale extravaganza, featuring more than forty designers and boutiques. Dailycandy.com is another venue with a wealth of information from sample sales cross-country, including Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington D.C., and even globally, with an eye on London. If there is a particular designer in your hometown that you just adore, give the showroom a call and ask if they set up sample sales. You never know, you could be enlightened if they do or inspire them to if they don't!

the truth: Sure! A few other things to take note of:

>>>If the thought of charging head-first into the world of sample sales causes you extreme anxiety, know that there are ways to be mentored into the system. One way is to grab your girlfriends and make a day of it! Sample-sale guru Sarah Gardner offers four different shopping tours in Manhattan at her website, fashionupdate.com, from the "Bargainista," (a two-hour tour to three different locales in the Garment District), to the "Girl's Day Out," (a 3-hour shopping tour, spa service and lunch).

>>>Another preparation to keep in mind is to dress comfortably. Especially in the big cities. Walking is sure to be in contract, and in case there is a long wait in line either inside or outside the building, you don't want to lose feeling in your toes from those too-tight heels. Opt for a pair of fashionable ballet flats and your comfy-but-stylish slacks. But make sure whatever you wear is fairly simple to remove -- since its sans dressing rooms at most sample sales, try-ons may need to happen right on the floor. Undershirts are necessities!

>>>Check out Lucky Magazine to get well-versed in fashion; especially since once a year, (in the fall), they set up an exciting event that brings together designers and boutiques with samples to sell and celebrities to tout. Last year, Mandy Moore co-hosted the event, "Lucky Shops," where a percentage of proceeds went to nonprofit organizations. Keep an eye and ear open for similar events, where cocktails and fun are mixed with fashion. However, keep your wallet in mind -- some of the larger venues can charge up to $50 at the door.

>>>Find out how sizing runs with your favorite designer or retailer. Chances are, most samples are lower in sizes, and many designers don't sample past size 12. There are exceptions, and there are also one-size-fits-all, (like beauty products, jewelry, and handbags).

>>>Also, don't expect perfection with every piece. Sometimes, flawed items are available for purchase at sample sales. If a garment looks beyond repair, or the seaming seems unseemly, then walk on by. No matter how good the deal, an unwearable piece is just not worth your pennies.

>>>And we can't stress it enough -- research is a necessity. You'll regret not researching when you're sitting outside a designer's showroom in the early morning and the style is so-not you or the sale is so-not your budget. At least this type of research is a heckovalot more fun than that Chem final project you did last semester!

     Okay, label lovers -- we feel comfortable enough to let you leave the nest and head into a world wear you'll never pay retail again. But before you go, don't wander around the cities in a daze. Check out The Budget Fashionista's guide to the sample sales in N.Y.C and L.A. at www.thebudgetfashionista.com where she reveals the designers' prime sales time like Armani in April and Sui in September. Viva la style!